Best 5 car stereos

(Updated August 29, 2012 1:39 AM PDT)

Antuan Goodwin
Associate editor

With more consumers switching to digital audio downloads over CD purchases, in-dash receivers must learn not to compete with, but to play nice with an increasing array of portable digital audio players and formats. More and more, we're seeing car audio manufacturers move away from the standard auxiliary input, instead implementing USB inputs and iPod connections. As the standards for Bluetooth begin to solidify and the technology takes hold, we're also seeing a few receivers that support A2DP stereo streaming, creating a convenient, no-wire experience for the car audio enthusiast. Below you'll find our current five overall-favorite car stereos, but check in regularly for updates as new products are released.

Pioneer AVIC Z130BT

In one box, the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT has all the must-have car tech features that most people could want, including hands-free calling, voice-controlled digital audio playback, and turn-by-turn directions with traffic data.

Price: $922.00 - $1,399.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Alpine iDA-X305

For people who listen primarily to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.

Price: $199.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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El Kameleon JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 media player

The JVC KD-AVX77 El Kameleon is a great receiver for system builders, but the touch-screen interface isn't as easy to use as some of the competition's physical control schemes.

Price: $413.95 - $448.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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El Kameleon JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 media player

Sony XPLOD CDX-GT920U (in-dash car stereo)

The Sony Xplod CDX-GT920U offers many options for connecting to your digital music library and supports the most commonly used formats, unless your music library is on your iPod.

Newer model available here.

4 stars

Very good

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Sony XPLOD CDX-GT920U (in-dash car stereo)

Eclipse AVN726E DVD/GPS receiver

The Eclipse AVN726e will cover most users' hands-free calling, navigation, audio, and visual needs in a single installation. It is also an excellent starting point for system builders.

Price: $1,338.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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